Welcome to Dogkind Training School

Training dogs and puppies for a better life

Dogkind Training School was established in 1994 to help people bring up sociable, well balanced and polite pet dogs. The School has been vetted and approved by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and is also Kennel Club Listed.

Dogkind Training School is run by Jan Debnam, who has trained and worked dogs for over 40 years, competing in working trials, obedience, Heelwork to Music and in the breed ring. Jan judged the prestigious Heelwork to Music National and International finals at Crufts 2024.

Dogkind dog training classes include specialist puppy classes, good manners classes, a specialist recall class, Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze, Silver and Gold Award classes and Heelwork To Music. Scentwork UK classes are also now available.

We believe in high quality, expert training in a relaxed atmosphere that respects the needs of the pet dog and its family. We use reward-based training techniques for the dogs and puppies and also aim to encourage their families to learn new training expertise. All breeds welcome.

Dogkind runs dog training classes at Hounsdown, near Totton. One to one training sessions also available. Over the years we have welcomed clients from Brockenhurst, Lymington, Sway, Boldre, New Milton, Lyndhurst, Ashurst, Beaulieu, Burley, Ringwood, Minstead, Ashurst, Totton, Woodgreen, Marchwood, Hythe, Dibden, Fawley, Romsey and Southampton. Our Heelwork to Music Group draws clients from across the south.

All our accreditations are identifiable, verifiable and genuine.

Testimonials

I found Jan locally when looking for puppy training, at the time classes were not possible so the option of one to one training has worked. Jan has helped me to understand my pup better, she asks me what I want to work on that week. You get far more attention working one to one than being in a class, worth paying for that. Jan is very easy to talk to and will advise and help as required. Happy to recommend.

Caroline Howden with Balu

Over the past few years I have taken three Irish setters through Jan’s classes: puppy, good manners, recall, and Good Citizen Award classes. All three dogs absolutely loved the training and all three have become very well-behaved dogs and a pleasure to own. The classes are fun for both the dogs and the owners and Jan is always happy to give valuable advice on a one-to-one basis. I would highly recommend Dogkind Training School to any dog owner.

Chris L with Finn

We were thrilled that Jan came to the rescue with our playful pup during lockdown. It was particularly useful to spend time, one to one, on familiar territory to us and Darcey. We started in our garden then progressed to the nearby recreation ground. Jan covered the basics, such as walking to heal, leave, stay, which Darcey picked up with relative ease. What was most helpful was that we were also able to focus upon our particular needs and puppy problems.

Rachel Wright with Darcey